Music

Brasilian Percussion

Learn traditional Afro Brasilian drum rhythms from Rio to Bahia and many other parts of Brasil. Samba instruments for drumming class are provided.

About the instructors

Casa Samba classes combine traditional music, vocals, theater, dance and drumming to capture the spirit of Carnival in Brasil, Afro-Brasilian traditions and history.

Piano Lessons

Have fun learning anew or brushing up on your piano skills. NORD offers individual and group lessons for ages 6 and older at all skill levels. Learn how to read music, proper playing technique, and elementary music theory. Access to a piano or keyboard is mandatory. Registration is free and ongoing. Register at your rec center of choice. Registrars will work with each student to select a specific day and time. Click here for class descriptions

About the instructors

Carl Williams is the Music Director of the First District Missionary Baptist Association, an organization comprised of more than 45 churches.

Alton Blunthas led church choirs throughout the Greater New Orleans community and youth choruses with the Orleans Parish School System for over 20 years.

Rachel Johnson is an accomplished classical pianist with an educational background in music composition.

Senior Choir

Senior ages 55+ of all skills levels who like to sing and have fun are welcome. The Senior Choir performs regularly at NORD events in addition to senior centers, churches, and community events. New members are always welcome! Registration is free and ongoing. Register at your rec center of choice. Add For more information or to register call (504) 658-3075 or email nordccultural@nola.gov.

Vocal Music Program with Tonya Boyd-Cannon

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation offers a vocal music program for kids led by Tonya Boyd-Cannon. Calling young singers who want to perfect their talent with support from a professional singer. There is no cost to participate, but students must pass an audition to be included. To register for auditions go to bit.ly/Vocal2018. Open to boys and girls, ages 9–13.

Culminating Performance Jazz & Heritage Center April 21, 6:00 PM

String Lessons

NORD in partnership with Make Music NOLA offers instruction on the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The program consists of excellent music instruction implemented by a diverse staff of professional musicians, opportunities to participate in workshops with guest artists and local musicians, and community relevant performances. Registration is free and ongoing. Register at your rec center of choice. For more information contact Laura Patterson at (504) 526-4250 or laura@makemusicnola.org.

Schola Cantorum

Schola Cantorum of New Orleans, which is Latin for “New Orleans School of Singing,” is a chamber choir who practices and performs new music by local composers and explores repertoire from around the world. The Schola Cantorum of New Orleans serves interested adult singers. There is no cost to participate. For more information contactscholacantorumofneworleans@gmail.com. Ages: 18+

Donate to the NORD Foundation

NORD Foundation

The NORD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds to support the activities of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. Individual and corporate donors may restrict their gift to a specific playground or program, or give funds to support NORDC’s priority needs, such as athletic equipment and outfitting new recreation centers. Gifts in any amount are welcome.

Learn more about the opportunities to support a quality recreation system so that every citizen can enjoy the benefits of greater health and wellness and, particularly, our youth and teens have opportunities to develop practical, constructive life skills through self-discipline and teamwork.